It’s school holidays at the moment here for my older kids.  The challenge for me is to not end up feeling guilty. 

How on earth though, do we manage to not feel guilty when it’s guaranteed that at some stage during the holidays the kids will complain that they’re bored and have nothing to do. 

It’s no good telling them that when we were their age we had to make our own fun, and we certainly didn’t get driven to the pool or the roller skating rink or the zoo every day.  And it’s no good complaining to them that we have limited funds to spend on entertaining them.  They just don't get it. 

So what I do is tell them at the outset, that there will be a set amount of outings, whether it’s one or two a week, and they can each choose some.  That way my schedule and my budget are prepared, the kids know what to expect, and there’s no arguing. 

The other days they are welcome to get together with friends or do things that don’t cost money, and if there’s driving involved for me, there’s a limit, and I don’t guarantee being able to if given no notice. 

We have some visits lined up with family and friends as well, and hey, we parents are allowed to have some time to ourselves too.